Initial student post due Monday, January 28th:
Go to: http://www.quora.com/Life-Advice/How-do-I-get-over-my-bad-habit-of-procrastinating#
Read the initial questions, and then the response (should be the first after the questions) about Albert and Rex, and answer the following questions.
1. What makes this source credible? (Number of votes, the epithet behind his name, what he says seems true, you have read enough about this subject to understand the truth of his words?)
2. In his post, what do you agree with? What do you disagree with?
3. Who is this person's audience? (is it just the person asking for help, or a broader group of people? Is it you? Is it me?)
4. What is this writer's purpose (or, what does the writer hope to accomplish by his response to the initial post?)?
5. Does his post, ultimately, persuade you? Why?
If you have the time to post early, then please feel free. If you are stuck on what to write, look at the writing of your classmates.
The writer does a great job in creating a clear and cleaver way to express his thoughts, while also entertaining his readers by the silly art work of Rex and Einstein. Although I'm a great supporter of evolution and the development of the human mind over history, I don't support Charles Darwin ideas of all species sharing the same common ancestors. Most religions and ancient civilizations speak about gods and angels creating and altering the human race into their own ideas and images, and in many ways even support the idea of advance aliens coming from the stars to create what is known as the human race today. However, the writer does a good job at using his ideas to explain and answer the original poster's questions and concerns, while also writing in a means that most readers can relate to in one way or other.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that not all species share a common ancestry, but I find some credence with some species in the animal kingdom, reptiles and amphibians for example. You're right though the, the writer was very clever in how he chose to explain his thoughts while simultaneously entertaining the audience too. It made it easy to understand and relate to.
DeleteI also agree that Charles Darwin ideas of all species sharing the same common ancestors may be true to come point. Have you ever heard of Lucy? She seems to be half human and half ape. I would love to think that we came from a great place out among the stars and are just waiting for someone to come get us.
DeleteMickey, I agree with you. I do not support Charles Darwin's theory. I cannot seem to find it in myself that all species came from the same thing. I also like the way that the writer wrote. He was entertaining and easy to read.
DeleteI couldn't of said it any better sir. If you really look at evolution its kind of hard to believe that I come from the same product that someone in India came from.
DeleteAfter reading the elaborate post on how to stop procrastinating I have discovered a few important ideas. First of all the post does a great job at making a point through creative writing and wonderful illustrations. I was instantly enamored with the post about how your intelligent side is ultimately controlled by an underdeveloped portion of your brain, creating the very skillful ability of procrastination. The post does a great job at giving facts, to the best of his ability and/or knowledge, and ultimately giving you steps to control the wild portion of your brain. I agree with this post in many ways except for one, I believe that as humans we have the ability to just push everything to the side and get down to work when need be, even though we normally find procrastination as a much easier solution to the problem at hand. The post reaches out to your logical side of thinking and attempts to make your life easier by explaining his thought behind procrastination and how you can fix it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with a lot of your points, particularly about "...creating the very skillful ability of procrastination". What did you mean by that? In reading your post I was wondering if procrastination AKA Rex, is a defense mechanism, a way of protecting the mind and body, but why? I'm wondering if procrastination is a relatively new phenomena. Take the modern day chores list; vacuum, paint the house, chop and stack the firewood, etc. A few thousand years ago those translated into pure survival for Neanderthals. Are we getting soft with all modern day conveniences and we don't have to perform like we did then?
DeleteWell Micheal I must first admit I really like your writing style, if we ever have to do a group writing I want you in my group! I agree with your post towards the end " by explaining his thoughts behind procrastination," which I think it going to be much like a painting that everyone is going to see differently.
DeleteI agree the post does a great job at making a point with creative writing and illustrations. I also would like to think that we have "evolved" and possess the ability to just push everything to the side and get down to work when we need too.
DeleteI found the writers idea's fun and logical on procrastination and the human mind. The use of Rex the snake and Einstein were very capturing and made speaking in metaphors easier to understand. I do agree with the way the Rex side of your brain works, I think we should treat it like a child since we all have the side of us that will always want to act like a child. I feel like i'm relating to the post because i procrastinated quite a bit before finally doing it. I did however finally sit down and do it and that's the Einstein part of my brain talking as well as the Einstein part of everyone else's brain talking who did this.
ReplyDeleteI like the bit "...I procrastinated quite a bit before finally doing it". I couldn't agree more. I also think you have a point about treating Rex like a child. How did you finally get started with the blogging? Did you treat yourself like a child? I'm not sure what I did, maybe it was unconscious. I think the added pressure of group dynamics could be very powerful too. We all know that we were supposed to do the blogging, and if we don't do it we'll be embarrassed. I guess it goes back to treating ourselves like a child, if we don't force ourselves to act, we tell ourselves that something bad will happen or there will be a price to pay.
Delete"My inner child," is something I'm proud of most of the time as it allows me to connect to children and sometimes understands their wants and desires. Meanwhile, my "Einstein" aspect is not always my "go do it" aspect of life as it has left my day dreaming in my cases, which could also be a example of procrastination.
DeleteWhen he said it like a child I thought of my kids and the way they need to be told and watched over. I ofter neel like I have to be my own mommy.
DeleteI agree that the writer made a wonderful point through the great illustrations, a writing style that everyone can enjoy. I believe that you being able to sit down and write this post shows that humans are more evolved then the author believe but other than that fact I agree with you.
DeleteI also like the point through illustrations, it helps to explain the material well and gives the article a wider age and knowledge range.
DeleteThe author does a fantastic job of explaining (in at least his opinion) why we as humans procrastinate. I found the characters, Albert and Rex, to be very innovative and simple to understand. Certainly everyone can relate to both, but probably more to Rex, as he is in the driver’s seat most days. As simple as the authors ideas are, I’m not sure how simple the human mind is. After all human psychology is incredibly complex, but maybe he is on to something. For the purposes of the author’s communications medium (a blog), his simplistic dissection of procrastination into two animated characters, is an effective explanation method. I do believe that I have a Rex in my head. I just hope he doesn’t have as much control as I’m led to believe. The audience in this case appears to be students and young adults, as the tips at the end provide the reader with some strategies for coping with Rex and getting Albert into the driver’s seat. The writer’s purpose to me is informative. By taking a very common and for some debilitating state, and giving life, names, and animation to it, the writer sheds light on a very common problem not only in academics, but in life. I find a bit of credence with the author’s explanation of procrastination. Not being a psychologist or psychiatrist myself, its difficult to dispute his simplistic conclusions, however, looking back at my own actions, or should I say inactions, Rex certainly has made a home in my head. I also like some of the author’s tips for combatting Rex, particularly the one about getting started. Research shows humans are far less to stop doing something after they’ve started. If we could tell ourselves to start a project and then take a break after 10 or 15 minutes, we are likely to continue with it. So I suppose the key method is to just start or do it. Maybe Nike got it right with their motto “Just do it”.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the fact that the human brain and psyche is extremely more complex than the author lets on. I think that we as an advanced life form have the capability to work when we need to, and not allow procrastination run our life.
DeleteWell procrastination is indeed something I think all humans face, and I think the fact most of us are replying and commenting at the last moment shows that we all suffer from the "Rex effect." I also agree with your comment that once people start a project they are most likely to finish it as long as the project is something that can be done that day otherwise, I think procrastination becomes a problem again.
DeleteI agree with what was said about the cartoon helping with understanding the authors point of the story; however, I don't agree that "Rex' is in the drivers seat when it comes to your own decision about procrastination. This choice is only your own and ultimately the outcome reflects it, everyone can control there own decision and makes the choice to procrastinate or not. Granted there is many things that influence your choice but "Rex" isn't making that choice.
DeleteI do agree with the getting started thing and you're right. I have done that before to stop the procrastination, for me, it gets me in the mentality of "Well I already started it, might as well finish it."
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ReplyDeleteI completely agree with most of the author’s points. Especially with the point that say “Force a Start.” I think that is the best way to battle procrastination. If you never even bother to start something then you won’t even give yourself an opportunity to complete it.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have read his post during my time in the military. I have always dreaded writing my monthly evaluations of my subordinates. Although I tried to set myself up for success by making keynotes of their positive/negative actions, achievements and upcoming career progress opportunities throughout the month. I still somehow overlook the biggest adversary of procrastinating, which is actually initiating the work.
At times I feel like I had shortchanged my soldiers on their evaluations. Because I didn’t really give myself enough time to really reflect on how they did at work in the past month.
I agree that we possess the ability to battle procrastination although like you said it can be hard to do what you need to do because procrastination is always the easier solution.
DeleteI think a lot of people feel like that at times when they are in a supervisor or command position. I also agree that I wish I would have seen this post while I was in the Army, I maybe would have procrastinated less myself.
DeleteI felt like the writer really broke down the reasoning behind why we procrastinate and delivered the information in a way that was easy to understand. The way the writer described the conscious mind and the unconscious mind really gave me the sense that he knew what he was talking about and that made him seem like a credible source in my eyes. I did feel that the description as a whole was a little simplistic, but as he mentioned he was trying to explain all of human civilization in 2 minutes.
ReplyDeleteI agree with most of the writers assessments but I don't feel he takes into account the level of evolution that humans have achieved. I feel like a lot of people see evolution as only manifesting itself in a physical form (mutations, advancement of motor skills, bigger, taller, etc), and don't take into account the evolution of the mind. I also don't agree that our unconscious reptilian mind (as he puts it) has as much of a hold on what we do as some people might think. I feel like it's almost a excuse to use your unconscious desires or mind as reasoning when you do something “wrong”. I do agree with the statement though that you must nurture that side of your brain.
I feel like the writer is not only trying to answer they OP's question but also put information to everyone having issues with procrastination as a whole. This post really doesn't necessarily persuade me of anything but I felt like it did give a good overall picture as to why humans procrastinate and the reasoning behind it.
I agree with what was said about the evolution of humans it is definitely more than just the physical aspect and the mind is always evolving and adapting. The mind is constantly adapting to new things and old things. Procrastination is something that has been around since day one and will never go away; however, how we adapt to change and change in our decision making will constantly affect this.
DeleteIF anyone were ask me how to describe why we procrastinate i'd tell them to read this because its a good explanation in two minutes. so you were right about it being a good description in such a short period of time.
DeleteThis is a great way to explain the way some of our brain works. I like how they used Rex the snake as the part of your brain that was first evolved in the brains of reptiles and everyone knows who Albert was. As far as this being a credible source I don't see what makes it so. It is not from the news or a known well known source. I agree it does seem like two different parts of the brain running the show however I think that we do have the power over Rex. This post is directed at someone wanting to know how to stop procrastinating and is written so that anyone who can read should understand it. The writer is trying to educate the readers on how the procrastination part of the brain works. This post did make me understand that little voice that sometimes says to me, "take a brake the dishes will be there in thirty."
ReplyDeleteThe author in this post explains how the mind works around decision making when it comes to procrastination; thus, his statements seem to be true because it states he has read and lived over 200 self-improvements books. I agree with him saying it is human nature to debate one self in desires to accomplish certain tasks but outside emotion can make that decision hard. The audience is every person because everyone deals with procrastination in some way or another; however, everyone reacts differently to distractions. Some people can accomplish tasks while multitasking; for example writing a paper while listening to music, watching tv, holding a conversation, interacting in social media while others have to isolate themselves from distractions to complete a task. This post does point out somethings that effect myself when it comes to procrastination; however, every person is different but the author does express how the human mind works and I believe it to be true but in the end procrastination can be a skill in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you that procrastination can be skill. I think in this fast past world a lot of people are overworked and don't time to procrastinate/relax.
DeleteThe only problem with the 200 books thing that I think is you don't know what the 200 books were on. None of them could have had anything to do with his response, we don't know.
DeleteProcrastination is defiantly a skill. I've met people who were professional procrastinators and always got everything done at the last minute and that is not a walk in the park. Plus their are people who wish they could procrastinate but simply can't find it in themselves to let something important be waited on for so long.
DeleteAfter reading the post I would need more information in order to consider the source credible. The high number of votes and comments made the post interesting but not yet factual. i agree with the response of comfort matters. Speaking from personal experience if you do not take care of yourself how could you possible expect to perform in such a manner.I also agree with the statement Your reptile brain responds to emotion. Using positive thought has helped me overcome challenges. I believe the audience is truly anyone who responded to the post. The author is looking for some type of guidance from others. I suggest the author's purpose of writing the post is to seek opinion and agree with others that may think like him. This post doesn't persuade me.
ReplyDeleteI also think that the high number of votes and comments made the post seem more interesting but really didn't add to the credibility of the article, good assessment.
DeleteI as well agree with what has been said about being indecisive about the credibility of the author just based on what was provided. This can be seen both ways because we don't know what he has experienced in these "200 self improvement books" and who it caters to; however, I do think it is enough to believe that he has an educated opinion on the topic. I also think we as college students have an educated opinion on the topic as well.
DeleteIn the first response to the article about the "Rex" and "Albert" hypothesis, by definition is credible. Credible is basically being plausible; convincing. Votes, however, are made by people who liked the article or agree with it, which is opinion by individuals, but obviously shows that they were convinced. The fact that the writer has lived and read over 200 self-improvement books shows that either he's knowledgeable in the subject or has too much time and too many problems.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the opinion that there are different parts of the brain that control different aspects of thinking, however I disagree with the overall logic. I have a large problem with procrastination, however it is not in every aspect of my life. I have a very good work ethic, and as such don't procrastinate when it comes to work related activities. However when it comes to school I am a very big procrastinator, some might say school is work, in my mind the two are completely separate entities. This is the way it is with many things in my life, some things I procrastinate on constantly, others I get them done right away, it just depends on the situation. In the article, the way it came off to me is that if you have this problem it will be a problem in every aspect of your life because there is one source controlling it all.
His audience is everybody who has a problem with procrastination in any aspect of their life regardless of age, his direct audience is the person who asked the original question. The writer's purpose is to get information out to help people understand and hopefully find ways to fight their problems with procrastination.
In the end it doesn't really persuade me to do anything, most of his suggestions I already try to do off my own experience with the issue, some of them work in some situations, but not in others.
I agree that that the research the author conducted was extensive. He read many books to locate further information about the topic. Although his presentation of the information was not as convincing for me as a reader.
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